New York-born singer and composer Monika Ryan began performing professionally at the age of 15 in the jazz clubs around New York City. She graduated from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in 1997 and composed and recorded her first album in 2000 at the age of 25. It was released under her stage name, Monika Brand; after 2002 she began using her married surname of Ryan. She has toured Japan twice with artists such as jazz guitarist Satoshi Inoue, David Hazeltine, Jon Faddis and Bill Pierce. She sang in Charlie Persip’s big band and was also employed by Al Grey in his group.
Further albums followed her debut at a prolific rate. Now she’s just released her 15th, Alive. Twelve of its 13 songs were composed by her and one by guitarist Sergio Pereira with lyrics by her. The album is not just an auditory experience; rather, the intention was for it to be an intellectual and philosophical journey. Ryan invites listeners to explore the essence of being, from the joy of working on a pursuit with integrity to taking time out to refuel and connect, to an introspective answer to the existentialist question “Why am I here?” In her own words, “It’s a celebration of life, love and the pursuit of deep and meaningful happiness… expressed through the universal language of jazz.”
She’s supported in this journey by the rhythm section of Pereira on guitar, pianist Hernán Milla, bassist Ales Cesarini and drummer Pancho Montañez. Tenor saxophonist Keith Loftis, who’s worked with Nancy Wilson, Clark Terry, Ray Charles and Benny Carter amongst others, features on many of the tracks while trumpeter Augie Haas (Maria Schneider, Harry Connick Jr, Gil Evans Project et al) puts in a brief appearance.
While this impeccable band supplies the rhythm, pulse and harmony, often with a Latin jazz tinge, it is Ryan alone who provides the melody, invariably flattening and drawing out notes in her delivery. Her unusual technique can lead at times to apparent similarity in some of the songs but her articulation is crystal clear throughout. For aficionados of vocal jazz and those interested in lyrics that inspire personal improvement and reflection, this will be right up their street.
Discography
Every Day; Can You Slip Away; You Draw Me In; This Morning; I Would Like To Know; Let’s Get Away; Tonight; I’m In It For Love And Happiness; I’m Here; Beauty All Round; In This Moment Forever; Way Away; Alive (44.11)
Ryan (v); Augie Haas (t); Keith Loftis (ts); Sergio Pereira (g); Hernán Milla (p); Ales Cesarini (b); Pancho Montañez (d). Valencia, Spain; New Jersey & New York, 2023.
Resensitize Records
